I am blessed to have had the opportunity to work with very talented Artist’s in the glass industry. My newest pieces would not of happened without them. This first picture is Albert Young (He teaches me), and myself looking over some paper weights in the Juice Box. I hang at the Juice box, and I am currently renting the shop to make some new work with an awesome team.

Albert and Sheila at the Juicebox. phot by, Bill Mcmurtry

I started learning the hot shop in 2008. Real life kind of got in the way of that pursuit. I stuck with my torch set up in my studio. I started working in the hot shop again last Spring 2014 with hopes of incorporating my art with my Late Husbands art. Wanting to make a larger piece than what I could produce in my flame working studio. The hot shop has the big pot of glass that you can grab from, and this big hole of heat that you can keep your work warm in.

This shop is not for just anyone. It really takes dedication to acquire these skills. Lots of mess ups to get to where you need to be.

A big challenge for me was (and still is) working in teams to produce immediate art. I’ve had to take the time to get to know people and understand how they work at a whole different level. (It really has been a blast. I have to say the glass Peeps really are good ones!!) I am really used to working alone all these years, and in a less immediate fashion.

On top of learning to use the hot shop, people, and equipment, I brought a new medium into the mix. These images you see in that glass, that is no cup of tea. Nobody showed me how to do that. And I have researched it to the core! Took me years to afford the time and equipment to figure that out. And putting the image INTO the glass. Welcome to the Future Ladies and gentlemen.

Hot paperweight on the bench

This process takes a fair share of time. Starting with the photograph, leading to computer manipulation, translation of color to metal, application processes, multiple kiln firings, and now I take it to the Hot shop!

Incorporating this traditional cane applications with this image, exaggerated the hair in this drawing perfectly. I owe a Big Thank you to Albert for working this piece with me. Very Stoked with how it came out. I am stoked to create some more with that technique.

Ron Morley ink drawing in glass Evan Morley’s permanent collection

The next run of paper weights took a team of 3 people. Awesomeness. And this is just the beginning. I still haven’t made the piece I came to make. Several more to share to get to where I’m at.

I know this drawing is named after a Grateful Dead Song. I cannot remember which one? Any guesses welcome in the comments. Love and light!